Secondary Welcome Letter

Term 3

Tuesday, 31st July 2018 Dear Parents / Guardians, Assalamu Alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh Message from the Secondary Curriculum Coordinator Welcome back to another productive term. Term Three is a very busy and important term of the year. There are a lot of important events happening during this term as shown below. There have been some changes to the secondary staffing team. Starting from this term, Ms Elif Tirzik will be working as a secondary Learning and Support teacher. Also, as part of the Islamic Studies Committee, she will be assisting in the infusion of Islamic principles into the secondary subjects. Our warm welcome is extended to Mr Vaughan Higgins, the new Creative Arts teacher and Mr Bahadir Korkut, the Turkish and Numeracy support teacher. Mr Bahadir will be the support teacher for Mathematics and he will also take over Ms Joumana’s Mathematics classes until she returns from Hajj. Semester One Report Semester One reports have been posted out to all parents. The school reports are prepared in a way to communicate what students have done, can do and highlight the areas that will still remain a focus for the semester ahead. We hope that all parents and students have had the opportunity to discuss and look at how their learning outcomes can be improved. Study Skills Seminar and Workshop As part of our school’s aim to improve the learning and development of our students, Irfan College is organising a Study Skills Seminar for all secondary students, parents and teachers. Elevate Education, the world’s leading organisation in this field, will be holding study skills for students, parents and teachers. This study skills program aims to improve student work habits, academic performance and develop deeper student engagement in studies. The day and the time of the Study Skills Seminar are shown in the table below. Further information regarding the program for each grade have been sent out with the letter to the parents.

Tuesday, 7th of August

Seminar Time

Parent Seminar 9:15 am – 10:10 am

Year 7 10:10 am – 11:00 am

Year 8 11:20 am – 12:10 pm

Year 9 Session 1 12:10 pm – 1:00 pm

Wednesday, 8th of August

Seminar Time

Year 9 Session 2 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm

Staff 3:45 pm – 4:45 pm

Roll Call Program Monday Reading (Literacy Pro Books) Tuesday Wellbeing session Wednesday Reading (Literacy Pro Books) Thursday Sports Day Friday Reading (Literacy Pro Books)

Assembly School assemblies are held on Fridays starting at 9.15 am. Parents/Caregivers are welcome to come and join us during assemblies. ASSEMBLY ROSTER for TERM 3 – 2018

FRIDAY Date CLASS PRESENTING

WEEK 3 10 August Year 9

WEEK 6 31 August Year 8

WEEK 9 21 September Year 7

Important dates and announcements of Term 3

SPORTS DAY: Thursday, Year 9, PE on Tuesdays

OPEN DAY and OFFICIAL OPENING CEREMONY of the NEW BUILDING: Thursday, 2nd August

EDUCATION WEEK: Monday, 6th August to Friday, 10th August

STUDY SKILLS BY ELEVATE EDUCATION: Tuesday, 7th August and Wednesday, 8th August

SCIENCE WEEK: Monday, 13th August to Friday, 17th August

HASENE Soccer Tournament: Sunday, 19th of August

BOOK WEEK: Monday, 20th August to Friday, 24th August

EID Al-ADHA (QURBAN) EID BREAK: Tuesday, 21st August and Wednesday, 22nd August – no school

YEAR 8 SCIENCE EXCURSION TO PLANITARIUM: Tuesday, 28th August

YEAR 7, 8 AND 9 MATHS/SCIENCE EXCURSION TO LUNAR PARK: Monday, 10th September

ATHLETICS CARNIVAL: Thursday, 20th September

PARENT TEACHER INTERVIEWS: Friday, 28th September

LAST DAY OF TERM 3: Friday, 28th September

FIRST DAY OF TERM 4, 2018 FOR ALL STUDENTS: Monday, 15th October

Important Notice for the Bus Students Please be informed that the Bus Code of Conduct Form needs to be signed and returned to school by Monday, 6th August. After this date, students will not be picked up until they have signed and returned the forms. The School Bus Policy have been given to your child/children along with this welcome letter.

Term Three Assessment Timeline Year 7

Week Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday 1 2 3 4 5 Math

Assignment 20%

6 Islamic Studies test 25%

English Listening and Writing Test 30%

7 Math Excursion PDHPE Report 10%

Science Model 30%

8 Arabic/Turkish Assignment Brochure 10%

Geography Research and Presentation 20%

9 Technology Food recipe 20%

Creative Arts Project 20%

10

Year 8

Week Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday 1 2 3 4 5 PDHPE Report

10%

6 Islamic Studies test 25%

7 Math Excursion

Ongoing Textile Project

Geography Research and presentation 20%

8 Creative Arts Project 20%

Arabic/Turkish Listening and Responding 30%

Math Assignment 20%

9 English Film Study and Presentation 20%

Science SRP 30%

Athletics Carnival

10

Year 9

Week Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday 1 2 3 4 5 Math Assignment

20%

6 English Performance 30%

7 Math Excursion PDHPE Presentation 15%

Islamic Studies 25%

8 Science Practical 30 %

Arabic Listening – Shopping 30%

9 Geography Assignment 20%

Athletics Carnival

10 Topics to study in each Key Learning Area (KLA) English, History and Islamic Studies: Mr. Ozan Angin

Year 7 English During term 3 in Year 7 English, students will be exploring themes and meaning in poetry. Students will read a variety of poems including song lyrics, performance poetry and classical poetry in order to explore and analyse the techniques composers use to convey meaning, which will assist students in gaining a better understanding and perspective of both their world and from different times and places. Year 8 English During term 3 in Year 8 English, students will study poetry with aim of raising students’ awareness of multiple perspectives of Australian identity and how these differ from the identities of other cultures. These sections are accessible to students and allow them to have a deeper understanding of the power of poetry, and rethink their ideas about a variety of cultural identities. This unit expands students’ understanding of poetry by engaging with the use of techniques, the effect of these techniques and the intention of the composer. Students will be able to enhance their writing skills by both writing about poems and composing their own poetry. Year 9 English During term 3 in Year 9 English, students will be studying ‘Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet’ to develop an understanding of how the conflict unfolds and how the conflict is ultimately resolved. Through focusing on specific scenes, students develop skills in analysing the language used to explore the conflict and are provided with opportunities to develop extended evaluative responses in a variety of texts.

Year 9 History During term 3 in Year 9 History, students will be studying the causes of World War I, the places where Australians fought and the nature of warfare during World War I as well as the impact of World War I.

Year 9 Islamic Studies During term 3 in Year 9 Islamic Studies, students will be studying the fundamental aspects of Islamic Creed (Aqeedah) including its fundamental definitions, its importance as well as providing an overview of the 6 Pillars of Iman. Mathematics: Ms. Joumana (Head of Secondary Maths) and Mr. Mustafa Last term was heavily based on preparing the students for their half-yearly exam. Ongoing weekly quizzes continued and revision took place in class where students' queries were resolved. In addition, tuition took place in the Al-Khawarizmi classroom during recess and lunch to reinforce further concepts taught. The students are encouraged and are strongly recommended to continue revising to be better prepared for their next semester exams. This term the students in Maths will be doing assignments for their assessment tasks where Year 7 will focus on Probability, Year 8 will focus on a research project dealing with Ratios and Rates and Year 9 will complete a Measurement and Geometry project. Overall, last term was a very busy and productive term and insha'Allah the Math Question/Puzzle of the Week

will be introduced next term where students will be rewarded in assembly for achieving the answer. Year 8 Mathematics: Mr. Mustafa This term year 8 students will be building on their previous knowledge by delving into the following topics: ratios and rates, financial mathematics, angle relationships, properties of figures and linear relationships. There will be strong emphasis to relate all content taught to the real world in order to gain a greater sense of meaning and awe in Allah’s Creation. Also, Islamic geometry will be explored to gain a greater sense of our tradition and scholarship. Students will be assessed through an assignment. A notification will be sent out with further details and the due date. In addition, students will continue to have homework to reinforce what has been taught at school in order to gain more confidence in their understanding. Homework may be given through tasks, HOTmaths and/or the Cambridge Mathematics textbook. Parents should monitor their child’s progress regularly by viewing their exercise book, homework and checking for understanding by raising open ended questions for their child to respond. If you have any concerns or questions, feel free to contact me. May Allah grant our students and ourselves with wisdom (hikmah), Ameen.

Islamic Geometry: Notice the pattern of underlying polygons: hexagons, triangles, squares, dodecagons.

Science: Ms Zina Al Nakeeb Term 3 will encompass Eid Aldha as well as the much-anticipated Science Fair. The science fair will celebrate National Science Week, 2018. The science department has many surprises in store for students during that time! Year 7 Science students will explore habitats and their interactions during their study of ecology. They will be visiting Taronga zoo to complete a workshop for this topic. Year 8 Science students will learn about energy, atoms, compounds and mixtures. They will visit the Science Centre and Planetarium to explore the many chemical and physical reactions that accompany these topics. Year 9 Science students will study ecosystems and human diseases. Geography: Ms Sameema Ali Year 9 will study the topic ‘Changing Places’. Students examine the patterns and trends in population movements and the increasing urbanisation of countries. They discuss the reasons for internal and international migration patterns and the consequences of population movements, including the increased concentration of populations within countries. Students examine strategies to create liveable and sustainable urban places, propose solutions and suggest opportunities for active citizenship. PDHPE and Geography: Mr Tallal Taha SPORTS- Term 3 will be a busy time for sports at Irfan College. GYMNASTICS- Primary students will be participating in the in-school gymnastics program delivered by 'Fit Futures' every Monday.

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS- High school student will be participating in Futsal and Bowling for sports on Thursday afternoon. Students will be travelling to Wetherill Park by bus from week 3 to week 8.

'FAITH SHIELD' SOCCER- Selected students from year 7-8 will participating in the 'Faith Shield' inter-Islamic schools soccer competition on Wednesday 1st August. Students will travel by bus to Scott Memorial Park in Austral. Year 9 students will have their opportunity later in the term.

ATHLETICS CARNIVAL- The school athletics carnival will be held at 'Blacktown International Sports Stadium' on Thurday, 20th September.

TABLE TENNIS TABLES- Student now have the opportunity to participate in table tennis at recess/lunch with the delivery of the new table tennis tables.

BASKETBALL RINGS- Student soon have the opportunity to play basketball at recess/lunch with the delivery of the new basketball rings.

HASENE SOCCER TOURNAMENT – As an extra-curricular activity we will be registering 2 teams from secondary students and staff to take part in the HASENE SOCCER TOURNAMENT that will be held on Sunday, 19th of August. All proceeds will be donated to HASENE Australia’s Qurban Campaign.

PDHPE Year 7 will be learning about healthy lifestyles and mental health Year 8 will be learning about risk taking and first aid Year 9 will be learning about drug education and road safety

Physical Activity and Sports Studies Students will be learning about 'event management' including how to organise the upcoming athletics

carnival.

Geography This semester year 7 students will study Place and Liveability. Students discuss factors that influence people’s perceptions of the liveability of places. They investigate features and characteristics of places across a range of scales that support and enhance people’s wellbeing such as community identity, environmental quality and access to services and facilities. Students assess the liveability of places and propose strategies to enhance the liveability of a place in Australia. Year 8 will be studying Global inequalities focusing on extremes of poverty and wealth, identify global patterns of poverty and wealth, variations in the access of people to essential aspects of life including: – education – food – health – shelter – water and investigating Global organisations involved in reducing global inequalities. Creative Arts: Mr. Vaughan Higgins My name is Vaughan Higgins and I'm the new Visual Arts/Music teacher at Irfan College from this semester. I'm extremely excited to be here, and I was welcomed incredibly warmly by the staff and administration at Irfan College. The school is a wonderful place, and represents a great learning opportunity for a non-Muslim like myself. I'm looking forward to experiencing the rich culture and history (especially art-making history) that goes hand-in-hand with the faith. This term, students in year 7 and 8 will be completing the "Making a Mark" course in Visual Art. This unit of work will push students to explore the absolute basics of art-making, such as the tactile skills required to employ a variety of mark-making techniques. Grounding students with a broad set of skills with which to express their ideas visually will gradually increase their confidence, leading to more resolved and effective works of art. This stage in their development is fascinating as their minds begin to see the true complexities of our increasingly visual world. My intention is to arm them with the confidence, vocabulary and art-making skills to navigate and engage with their contemporary habitat. Later this term students will employ their newfound skills in a project called "10 Ways to See". Music assessment will consist of focused written responses and a short composition component to be completed later in the term. Students will be trained to pick apart the various elements in a composition and most importantly to express their conclusions effectively. This kind of critical analysis activity is an important tool and will help develop their command of English. I look forward to meeting you all later in the year at parent-teacher interviews, and am especially looking forward to teaching your wonderful children about the beauty and complexity of the world around us.

Arabic and Turkish Language: Mr Rami Al Momani and Mr Bahadir Year 7, 8 and 9 the Arabic language is taught via the four macro skills of Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing. This term, students will be studying a variety of interesting units that will assist students to develop their skills within the Arabic language.

Year 7 students will learn about house and home and eating and drinking. Year 8 students will learn about eating out at restaurant and meeting people. Year 9 students will learn about the word of shopping and health and wellbeing. I pray that this term serves to be a beneficial term for all. Students Representative Council: Ms Zina, SRC and Events Coordinator The Student Representative Council will be very busy in term 3 organising major events including Education Week, Book Week and Science Week. They will also run a fundraiser to increase their funds which will open up opportunities for them to contribute to society and the environment in the future.

Technology: Ms Wendy Johnsson Food Technology The Year 9 Food Technology students have been completing a Unit of work called The Aussie Plate. In this unit of work students have been examining a range of factors which influence our distinctive and unique Australian cuisine. The students have investigated the traditional use of bush food by Aboriginal people as well as historical perspectives including early European settlement. A focus has been on the major part multiculturalism has played in the development of a cuisine which incorporates all of these multicultural elements. The students have very much enjoyed preparing Aussie Sausage rolls; Greek Gyros and are yet to prepare Mexican Tacos; Vietnamese Banh Mi Chicken Roll; Thai Beef Noodle Soup; Turkish Burek and Portuguese Custard Tarts. The Food Technology students will be busy cooking some delicious recipes in the weeks to come. Technology Mandatory Year 7 Technology have been learning about nutrition as well as various kitchen skills to assist them in the practical sessions. The students have been preparing a range of simple items such as Scones, Anzac biscuits and Honey Soy Wraps. Shortly, the students will prepare patty cakes which they will then decorate creatively. After this Unit students will move onto digital Technology and design a Fun Park with emphasis on sustainability. They will also prepare a brochure to promote the fun park as part of their ICT focus. Year 8 Technology have been learning about Textiles and the use of a sewing machine. They have also examined the various methods of textile decoration such as applique, embroidery as well as the use of paint, puffy paint and fabric crayons. Shortly the students will be making a hand puppet which will incorporate some of the methods that they have learnt in their textile lessons.

Quran and Islamic Studies – Mr. Erol Kaso (Islamic Studies and Quran coordinator)

Year 7 Qur'an Students will continue building on their reading and tajweed skills working together as a class from the fundamentals to advanced rules. It is expected that students will be able to read directly from the Qur’an mushaf by the end of term 3 and begin Khatm and Hifz (memorisation). Islamic Studies Students will be covering Islamic belief and creed (Aqeedah). Students will examine the textual evidence relating to what is required in terms of Islamic belief and spend each week focusing on each respective aspect of Aqeedah.

Assessments in Qur'an will be an on-going basis that tests the level of recitation and memorisation of students tracking their progress throughout the term. Students will undertake Qur’an reading and memorisation tests in week 8-9. A written examination will be issued in week 8 assessing all topics covered to that point.

Year 8

Qur'an Students will continue building on their reading and tajweed skills working together as a class from the fundamentals to advanced rules. It is expected that students will be able to read directly from the Qur’an mushaf by the end of term 3 and begin Khatm and Hifz (memorisation). Islamic Studies Students will be covering Islamic belief and creed (Aqeedah). Students will examine the textual evidence relating to what is required in terms of Islamic belief and spend each week focusing on each respective aspect of Aqeedah.

Assessments in Qur'an will be an on-going basis that tests the level of recitation and memorisation of students tracking their progress throughout the term. Students will undertake Qur’an reading and memorisation tests in week 8-9. A written examination will be issued in week 8 assessing all topics covered to that point.

Year 9 Qur'an Students will continue building on their reading and tajweed skills working together as a class from the fundamentals to advanced rules. It is expected that students will be able to read directly from the Qur’an mushaf by the end of term 3 and begin Khatm and Hifz (memorisation).

Assessments in Qur'an will be an on-going basis that tests the level of recitation and memorisation of students tracking their progress throughout the term. Students will undertake Qur’an reading and memorisation tests in week 8-9.

Well-being: Well-being Coordinator – Mr Mustafa Ayvaz Every week students at Irfan College conduct lessons on developing their social and emotional knowledge and skills. The program is called You Can Do It! Program Achieve. There are 5 keys to success that is the focus of the whole program. This program is run throughout the year. During the last two terms students were focusing on ‘Getting Along’ and ‘Confidence’. This term students will be focusing on ‘Persistence’ and ‘Organisation’. Below I have provided a short detail of each of the ‘keys’. We believe that when parents reinforce what is taught at school at home it really allows the student to gain a holistic approach to their learning. Therefore, if there are any further resources you would like to embed the skills we are teaching at school feel free to approach me. May this term be a means to draw closer to our Creator, Ameen. Term 1 & 2:

Getting Along – I will treat others respectfully. Getting Along means working well with my classmates, solving conflicts peacefully, being sensitive to the feelings of others, being respectful, and helping make my community a better place to live and learn

Confidence (academic, social) – I will be brave and have a go. Confidence means feeling I can do it. Confidence also means not being afraid to make mistakes or to try something new.

Term 3:

Persistence – I will not give up. Persistence means trying hard and not giving up when something feels like it’s too hard to do.

Organisation – I will be ready to learn and play. Organisation means setting a goal to be successful, planning my time so that I’m not rushed, and having all my supplies ready.

Term 4:

Resilience – I will bounce back. Resilience means When faced with difficult and challenging situations and people, being able to:

- stop getting extremely angry, down, or worried, - control my behaviour when I am very upset, - calm down within a reasonable period of time - bounce back to work and play